What is a Microgrid?
A microgrid is an energy generator you can install on-siteto power your facility, either as a backup to the main powergrid or as a reliable, ongoing source of clean energy that operates independently of the traditional utility grid.
En Tech Solutions has designed a unique microgrid calledXcape, which operates on power from solar panels, rechargeable batteries, and utility grid power. This microgrid stores excess solar energy in the battery system, so when solar power isunavailable due to cloudy or night skies, Xcape draws powerfrom either the battery system or the grid. That means younever run out of power, no matter what’s happening in the environment around you. Developed by highly experienced energy experts, Xcape utilizes Internet of Energy (IoE) controlplatforms to ensure intelligent, comprehensive, and resilientelectricity is delivered from an infrastructure that prioritizesthe use of all available resources.
Ideal for Manufacturers
Even a blip in the main utility grid can cost thousands ofdollars in lost production time. A microgrid that bridges thegap in power supply can also be scaled to meet your ongoing energy needs. Modular solutions, like Xcape, can connectto the main grid or operate in island mode, independent ofa “parent” energy source. This technology can also be optimized to utilize clean energy during peak load times, allowingcompanies to save utility costs.
Modular vs Customized
Until now, microgrids have been largely available in custom-built units, designed for each customer’s facility and grid.While that sounds like concierge treatment, it’s far more expensive and time-consuming than today’s option—modularunits. These “out of the box” mobile microgrids are much faster and more cost-effective to install, providing reliable, cleanenergy as quickly as possible. They’re also standardized andtested prior to installation, ensuring the highest quality dependable power from day one.
The best part? Multiple modular grids can connect to oneanother, generating a mini-network of independent energy—like your own personal power plant—ready to meet your biggest to smallest power challenges. Xcape units in particularoffer a variety of benefits, including:• On-demand access: Remote, real-time digital access toenergy production and consumption stats so customers cansee how the microgrid is working at any given moment, ata glance.
• Sustainable: System intelligence maximizes the use of re-newable, clean energy.
• Resilient: Rely on a secure power supply for uninterruptedoperations.
• Intelligent: The unit determines which energy source to utilize based on your needs.
• Expandable: Scalability is key! The microgrid output can beeasily expanded or slimmed to meet evolving energy needs.
Don’t Do It Alone
When it comes to installing a microgrid, we don’t recommend the do-it-yourself (DIY) route. While constructioncompanies may have qualified engineers on staff, we recommend teaming up with an end-to-end partner, like EnTechSolutions, who can provide expert guidance and supportfrom concept to reality. This ensures your entire system runssmoothly every step of the way, from understanding yourpower generation needs and helping you navigate your localutility landscape and subsidies, to engineering the system,procuring equipment, constructing the microgrid on-site,commissioning, and after installation, optimizing, managingand maintaining the energy source.
Concept-to-reality partnerships allow you, the manufacturer, to fully understand the benefits and values of aparticular solution for your needs before you get caught upin the discussion of costs. Microgrid technology is not anapples-to-apples proposition. There are many factors thatcome into play when designing the right sustainable energysolutions for your needs, and an experienced partner will beable to explain the costs and benefits in the context of yourunique situation.
The Xcape microgrid was designed using state-of-the-arttechnology in partnership with Schneider Electric. EnTechSolutions optimized it and is continually working to advanceits capabilities to ensure our customers experience maximumresults from our technology. Systems are monitored on anongoing basis to ensure optimum capacity. As load profiles,price policies or tariffs change, your microgrid is also adapting and optimized for both price and performance.
The Future Is Here
In today’s volatile economic climate, manufacturers thatchoose innovative methods of operating will rise above thecompetition and overcome the obstacles that could bringthem down. Say goodbye to unreliable energy and spotty gridperformance. If your business—and your future—depend onresilient, uninterrupted energy to thrive, then microgrid technology is an intelligent choice. By incorporating clean, sustainable power as a backup and supplement to your existinggrid, your facilities can operate at maximum capacity—andprofitability—now and for years to come.
By Mike Collom
Every manufacturer knows a power outage is bad for business. When the circuits go down, so does productivity—and profits. Nobody can predict or prevent every outage, but the damage can be bypassed by using a sustainablesolution like microgrid technology.
How Microgrid Technology Can SustainManufacturing into the Future
